The Special Frontier Force (SFF) is an Indian special forces unit composed primarily of Tibetan refugees and Gurkhas in India. It was established after the Sino-Indian War of 1962 to primarily conduct covert operations behind the Chinese lines in case of another war with China. Later it increased in size and scope of operations.
Special Frontier Force
Chakrata, Uttarakhand, is where SFF personnel are trained in stealth combat and scouting techniques.
Illustration showing military units and troop movements during the war
India has several Special Forces (SF) units, with the branches of the Indian Armed Forces having their own separate special forces units. The Indian Army has the Para SF, the Indian Navy has the MARCOS, and the Indian Air Force has the Garud Commando Force. There are other special forces which are not controlled by the military, but operate under civilian organisations, such as the National Security Guard under Home Ministry and Special Group under RAW. Small groups from the military SF units are deputed in the Armed Forces Special Operations Division, a unified command and control structure.
Indian Navy MARCOS during urban combat training at Exercise RIMPAC 2022
Indian Para SF (in Ranger Green uniform) and US Army Green Beret during exercise Vajra Prahar, 2022
MARCOS and US Navy SEALs, Urban Combat Training, MALABAR 2021
IAF Garud commando